Melodies of The Weary Blues

Classic Poems Illustrated for Young People

By Langston Hughes, Various

On Sale: 1/20/2026

A gorgeously illustrated centennial of Langston Hughes’ first book of poetry, The Weary Blues, this picture book includes select poems paired with vibrant artwork by more than twenty talented Black illustrators, including award-winners Oge Mora, Frank Morrison, Janelle Washington, and more!

Brought to new life by lively illustrations on every page, Melodies of The Weary Blues introduces Langston Hughes’ intimate reflections on the Black experience in America to young readers in a fresh and approachable way. Featuring poems like “Dream Variation,” “Winter Moon,” and “The Negro Speaks of Rivers”, Hughes’ still resonant words shine like never before for readers everywhere. 

Includes an introduction by the editor, Shamar Knight-Justice, Langston Hughes’ biography and timeline of life, and biographies of all the contributors. 

ISBN: 9780063327054
Imprint: HarperCollins
On Sale: Jan 20, 2026
List price: $24.99
No of pages: 48
Trim Size: 6.600 in (w) x 9.030 in (h) x 1.400 in (d)
BISAC 1: JUVENILE FICTION / Poetry (see also Stories in Verse) *
BISAC 2: JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
BISAC 3: JUVENILE FICTION / African American & Black

Langston Hughes

Biography

Langston Hughes (1902-1967) ranks as one of the greatest American poets of the twentieth century. A landmark figure in the Harlem Renaissance, his work profoundly captures and celebrates the trials and triumphs of his exquisitly drawn characters. In addition to his poetry, he was also the author of the novels Not Without Laughter and Something in Common, the play Mulatto, and two volumes of autobiography.

Various

A gorgeously illustrated centennial of Langston Hughes’ first book of poetry, The Weary Blues, this picture book includes select poems paired with vibrant artwork by more than twenty talented Black illustrators, including award-winners Oge Mora, Frank Morrison, Janelle Washington, and more!

Brought to new life by lively illustrations on every page, Melodies of The Weary Blues introduces Langston Hughes’ intimate reflections on the Black experience in America to young readers in a fresh and approachable way. Featuring poems like “Dream Variation,” “Winter Moon,” and “The Negro Speaks of Rivers”, Hughes’ still resonant words shine like never before for readers everywhere. 

Includes an introduction by the editor, Shamar Knight-Justice, Langston Hughes’ biography and timeline of life, and biographies of all the contributors. 

ISBN: 9780063327054
Imprint: HarperCollins
On Sale: Jan 20, 2026
List price: $24.99
No of pages: 48
Trim Size: 6.600 in (w) x 9.030 in (h) x 1.400 in (d)
BISAC 1: JUVENILE FICTION / Poetry (see also Stories in Verse) *
BISAC 2: JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
BISAC 3: JUVENILE FICTION / African American & Black

Langston Hughes

Biography

Langston Hughes (1902-1967) ranks as one of the greatest American poets of the twentieth century. A landmark figure in the Harlem Renaissance, his work profoundly captures and celebrates the trials and triumphs of his exquisitly drawn characters. In addition to his poetry, he was also the author of the novels Not Without Laughter and Something in Common, the play Mulatto, and two volumes of autobiography.

Various